Robert Schumann, a famous composer, named the fiery and calm sides of his personality "Florestan" and "Eusebius," respectively. Inspired by him, I've decided to name the bubbly and precautionary sides of my personality after the Latin words for "indulgence" and "conscience." They are "Clementia" and "Conscientia," respectively. Because they generally disagree—sometimes to the point of seeming like two completely different people—I thought they'd make a good practice narrative. If they were to have a conversation, it might go something like this:Clementia: "You need to hear about my obsession! The world must know, and I'm starting with you!"
Conscientia: "I'd rather not talk about it right now. Let's talk about it later."
Clementia: "No, not later! I'm going to confess right here, right now! Here goes:"
Takes a deep breath.
"I LOVE JAZZ!!! Lovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelove!!!"
Gasps for breath.
Conscientia: "Well, now that that's over with, let's talk. Maybe we can get you over this obsession if we talk it through while it's out in the open."
Clementia: "Okay!"
Conscientia: "All right now, I'm going to ask you some questions, and I want you to just give me honest answers from your heart. Are you ready for the first question?"
Clementia: "Yep!"
Conscientia: "How long have you been obsessed with basketball players?"
Clementia: "Huh?"
Conscientia: "Is it their sweaty bodies and sleek musculature that you view with such complete adoration, or is it the hardcore, neck-in-neck nature of the game?"
Clementia: "—WAIT!!! What are we talking about? I said JAZZ!!!"
Conscientia: "That's what I thought you said."
Clementia: "I meant the MUSIC!!!"
Conscientia: "Oh. I thought you meant the basketball team."
Clementia: "Why on earth would I be thinking about basketball? Life is all about MUSIC!!! Everything is about music! Who cares about basketball, anyway?"
Conscientia: "Shhh! Lots of people love basketball. You don't mind it, yourself."
Clementia: "Maybe, but I LOVEJAZZLOVEMUSICLOVEJAZZMUSICLOVE!!!
As Clementia's eyes cross in rapture, Conscientia throws her hands in the air and gives up.
Clementia: "Oh, Conscientia—you know what else I love to obsession? Chocolatechocolatechocolatechocolatechocolatechocolatechocolate!!!"
On second thought, this post may not be all that true to life. My sister says she doesn't think I even have a Conscientia. Well, I say I do, but obviously Clementia usually wins.
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